Dates to try around Boston

Dating can be stressful, overwhelming, even scary. But it can also bring lots and lots of cheer and smiles in your life.

Whether it’s a first date or your 50th, changing things up is always welcome. Here is a roundup of some activities to consider when planning your next night (or day) out.
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Amy Newman for the Boston Globe

Brunch at East Coast Grill

This fiery eatery is probably most famous for its sporadic "Hell Night" events; essentially a dinner for masochists and freaks who like to singe their taste buds on hot pastas and other dishes.

Instead, attend this established eatery for brunch, where meals are more affordable, and more fun. The make your own Bloody Mary bar offers tantalizing ingredients, from fresh hot sauce to chili paste. Oh, and, don’t forget to get a taste of the corn bread.

Enjoy jazz music, stroll around the museum’s historic courtyard garden, and explore the new wing. Why not pretend that it’s a Gatsbyesque party at your own mansion? And for you thirsty folks, a cash wine bar is available.

If you and your honey bunch can’t get enough of the sudsy stuff, hops to it. (We heart beer puns.)

Company founder Jim Koch (right) probably won't be on hand to give you a tour of the Jamaica Plain facilities, but regardless, you'll learn about malts, yeasts, and the history of Sam Adams. One of the best parts? You and your date will be able to sample some brews.

Looking for some fun for cheap? Head to the Middle East for professional belly dance performances every Sunday night. Show off your dancing moves to your date during the open floor time. $5 suggested donation to take part.

Forget bowling: If your date isn’t a local (or even if he or she hails from Boston), share some laughs at the Flatbread Company, located in the renovated Sacco's Bowl Haven. It’s a great place to have your old school fun with a side of tasty pizza and craft brews. Most of the original candlepin lanes remain and others were fashioned into a bar and tables.

For all you sports lovers, here's a date just for you. Brush up on your Boston sports history at the TD Garden's Sports Museum.

Make sure to check the Celtics and Bruins game schedule — if you time it correctly, you’ll have a chance to watch a game and grab a bite with your date at one of the many sports bars around the Garden.

Explore Boston's waterfront with your date free of charge by uploading a walking tour onto your own MP3 player. The hour-long tour starts at the Christopher Columbus Park and continues past Rowes Wharf and Long Wharg along the Boston Harbor (pictured). You won’t be sorry — it’s one of the most romantic walks in Boston.

After your stroll, wander through the cobblestone streets of the North End and stop in to grab a bite of gelatos or cannolis.
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Dina Rudick/Globe Staff

A scenic bike ride

Set out on an adventure with your date by renting a ride from Hubway Bikes. Starting up again in early spring, there will be 60 locations throughout Boston. There are a lot of paths to choose from but we suggest the Charles River bike paths for a romantic and scenic route. Next

Laurie Swope for Boston.com

Game night

Save the games for game night: check out Jamaica Plain’s Milky Way Lounge for game night every Monday. Hungry? Indulge in 50-cent wings from 7 p.m. -9 p.m.

Do some hopping, and we’re not just talking about drinking beer. Start with dinner at Lone Star Taco Bar. After a spicy and satisfying meal, indulge in craft beers at Deep Ellum. Your date doesn’t have to hail from the Lone Star State to enjoy tacos or beer.

Sure, you may have been to countless dates at Fenway. This time, make it your own. Grab a burrito before the game at El Pelon, which is just a short walk away from the park. After the game, grab a few pints at Lower Depths, which is close enough to Fenway so you don’t miss the action, but far enough to be away from the usual crowds.

Forget the standard stuff: Take your special friend for some delicious sips at the various cocktail bars that are popping up all over town. Backbar has been open for a little more than a year, and hasn’t failed to capture some noteworthy buzz.

The bar, which isn’t the easiest bar to find, may well be one of the coolest. Custom cocktails are made right at the bar for guests to watch. On Mondays, try their signature ramen.

There is a lot to do and explore in the very new South Boston waterfront. Take your special someone for a real treat: Rosa Mexicano makes fresh guacamole at your tableside. Tell your waiter how spicy (or not spicy) you want your avocado goodness, and voila, ask and you shall receive.

Also consider Temacal Cantina, which is also in the Seaport area. The restaurant has a breathtaking waterfront view, and if that’s not enough, menus are offered on iPads, which make an excellent talking point on a first date.

This will take some planning, but it’s well worth it. The already fun and a great spot for date night transforms itself on the first Fridays of every month (except January). Check the listings and see which Institute of Contemporary Art event appeals most to you and your date. Pictured from left: Stephanie Wilder of Waltham and Rob Colonna of Boston at the ICA First Fridays: ’80s Night event.

Swing by Kendall Square’s Hungry Mother for southern soul food with a classy twist. The menu changes daily but features a variety of hearty selections like cornmeal-crusted catfish and bavette steak. While waiting for your meal, order movie tickets for Kendall Square Cinema and catch a movie after. They show everything from mainstream to art-house to indie to foreign.

For a variety of beers on tap and locally sourced pub fare, check out Grendel’s Den in Cambridge. Split the cheese fondue for two ($25) and share a selection of fresh cheeses white wine & kirsch, French bread for dipping, and your choice of side salad. They also offer a select half-price menu from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. every evening and 9 p.m.—11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday. Don’t forget to try one of their choice brews or mulled wine.